Joe Beimel released, Joey Gallo, Jorge Alfaro sent down

The Texas Rangers have announced a number of moves this afternoon, with the most noteworthy being the release of lefthanded pitcher Joe Beimel.

The other moves were of the "going to the minors" variety.  Jorge Alfaro, Tomas Telis and Spencer Patton have all been optioned, Alfaro to AA and the other two to AAA.  In addition, Joey Gallo, Jared Hoying, Kyle Blanks and Dave Martinez have all been sent to the minors.

Beimel was signed just a few weeks ago to a non-guaranteed major league deal, and with the Rangers lacking lefty relief options, Beimel was considered to have a very good shot at making the team.  He's been awful this spring, however, allowing 14 runs in 3 IP over 4 games.  With his release, the Rangers' 40 man roster now stands at 39.

Alfaro and Gallo are the big names of those sent down, but were not ever seriously in the mix to make the Opening Day roster.  Of the 7 guys going down, only Patton and Blanks had a legitimate shot of making the roster.  Blanks has been slowed by an Achilles issue, and has been behind the other outfield/DH options in the battle this spring.